The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage

The Asia IP and Technology Law Project is proud to invite you to a virtual book warming event for Mara Hvistendahl’s: The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage

Mara Hvistendahl is a Pulitizer Prize runner-up in non-fiction writing. In her new book, she chronicles an FBI investigation that began with the September 2011 trespassing inquiry of Chinese nationals in an Iowa cornfield and grew into a two-year FBI operation in which investigators bugged the men’s rental cars, used a warrant intended for foreign terrorists and spies, and flew surveillance planes over corn country. Science magazine in reviewing the book noted, “If there is a subplot that makes this book essential reading, especially for those working in the sciences today, it is Hvistendahl’s documentation of the disturbing effects that the too-vigorous pursuit of industrial spies has had on Chinese scientists and engineers in the United States.”

We will hear all sides of the story, first from the author herself, and then with commentary from the FBI agent who conducted the investigation and is chronicled in the book (Mark Betten), the Dupont IP lawyer who supported the investigation (Jen Johnson), a leading trade secret lawyer (Jim Pooley), and BCLT’s own China specialist Mark Cohen.

The program is scheduled for May 13 at 10:30 AM. Registration is free of charge.